A top official of the World Health Organization called doping in sports a public health issue. Speaking at an international anti-doping conference, Dr. Timothy Armstrong said the use of performance-enhancing drugs is not just a sporting problem.

Doctors and nurses should routinely screen their adult patients and pregnant women for alcohol misuse, and provide those engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with brief behavioral counseling, according to new recommendations from a national task force.

Generic drug company Watson Pharmaceuticals announced it is recalling two lots of a drug that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The pills may contain doses of the medicines that are higher than intended, Reuters reports.

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation that is designed to cut down on underage drinking on chartered party buses. Under the new law, party buses with alcohol and underage passengers will need chaperones and ID checks.

A new government survey finds the number of young adults ages 18 to 25 who used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in the past month declined 14 percent, from 2 million in 2010, to 1.7 million in 2011.